Most accidents from poisoning happen in the home. Our houses are full of poisonous things, which if eaten could be dangerous for your dog. Poisons can enter the body through the skin or inhaled through the lungs but the most common type is when a curious dog eats something toxic.
Types of poison
Medication: dogs often eat their owner's medication like aspirin, sleeping tablets or even the contraceptive pill.
Cleaning chemicals: such as household bleach or cleaning fluid. Dogs often like to drink from the toilet and can ingest chemicals that way.
Weedkiller, rat and mouse bait, slug killer: weedkillers like paraquat can be fatal for your pet. Slug bait pellets are bran-flavoured, so your dog may readily eat them. Rat poison like warfarin can cause fatal haemorrhage.
Garage chemicals: antifreeze tastes sweet so your dog could drink it when a radiator is drained. Ingestion causes renal failure so seek veterinary advice immediately. Lead poisoning can occur from old paint, pipes, batteries, putty and can lead to convulsions. Paint, tar, creosote and oil can also contaminate your dog's skin.
What to do
If you catch your pet in the act of eating something then quick action can make it bring it back up. Unless the poison is corrosive like bleach you can give your pet a dose of mustard, salty water or washing soda crystals to make it sick. Only induce vomiting if it is less than 1 hour after ingestion.
If your pet ate something a while ago, it is too late to make it sick. However feeding your pet a meal of cereal and milk may help absorb some of the poison. Phone your vet for further advice.
Poison on the skin
Do not apply any paint stripper or solvent to your dog's coat as it may be equally toxic to your dog. Apply swarfega, petroleum jelly or cooking oil immediately to absorb the poison. Cut away any contaminated hair. Then you can try and wash off the sticky mixture with a mild baby shampoo.
If your pet has eaten something strange always phone your vet for advice or take it in for a check up. Your vet will be able to ring a special veterinary poison helpline and find out what treatment is required. Keep your dog quiet and warm and if relevant bring the package with you, as your vet will need to know the active ingredient of the poison.
Prevention is best: treat your pet the same way you would handle a curious toddler. Pet-proof your house and garage by locking anything toxic away.
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